Keeping up with the crowd was nigh impossible. Juke was saintly enough to wait for me, but I could tell by how he clicked his tongue that he was getting annoyed. Or was he getting anxious? I couldn't tell.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEVTmr40C2
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItiS3ucGZj
We arrived at the third floor. Another duo split off and the rest of us ascended. My poor stamina gave me difficulty, but I was riding a wave of adrenaline and anticipation I'd never felt before. Each step came and went without me realizing it, and soon enough, the floors whizzed by like a faint image. It was not until the seventh floor that I acknowledged what I saw again.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwLDOZC3Zw
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqnboibb45
As it had gone since this started, I arrived last in the room, taking a moment to pant and catch my breath. The floor this time didn't have a straight shot from the entrance to the exit. It resembled the first floor more than anything: a large surface area with a foyer-like zone and branching paths, its size made possible only because there was no hallway transitioning from the stairs.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrKL5apVpP
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFK2FdZoWWb
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqS5uRcuvjN
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE3QK3BDnW
Though the floors flashed by, I never failed to keep my eye on the danger that resided in them. Not seeing them right away immediately put me on edge, and judging from the sluggish pace of everyone else, I wasn't alone. The crowd practically prowled the room. Some even checked behind furniture.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAy3o1QhUQ
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbYHksVhdv
A minute passed, and the foyer was pronounced empty. The crowd left the zone, but I had to shoot one last scanning glance before I followed. They all moved to the left, and moving in tow, I turned the corner.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtWvrm26Bc
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ea3510QSu
Though the entrance was similar to the first floor's, the primary chamber was different. Instead of a bulk surrounded by a circling hallway, it was four evenly spaced booths, forming a diamond, on a carpeted floor. The exit was placed stiffly by the topmost box. I noticed it before anyone else, but I was too nervous to point it out. It barely mattered since Pars noted it just a second later.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKa1wGEXYn
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRB9tg1758H
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2M8K8pcSKn
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1nkK0HgNm
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhU7DfWuFyN
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ngVnrJAxw
Everyone was caught off guard. The figure wore a familiar robe, one I loathed to see. Pars managed to block his leap, but the man had a cylinder resting on his shoulder. He pointed it at him and–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEqIRneQiv
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJRdJeYDXR
**BOOM**144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG79zynHWXw
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A cloud of debris burst throughout the room. I closed my eyes in the nick of time, but the dust pricked and pinched at my skin. At least, it felt that way at first, until the squeezes transformed into burns.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1ylJR0oF0
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mnBRe5mcc
"Ack!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8NnoiiczL
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HxOWvE3Yt
I brushed my skin with my hands but it was futile with how thick the cloud was. Too afraid to open my eyes, I moved my feet backward until I collided with something. My back hit the wall, I fell to the ground, and only then did I work up the nerve to see.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglWG1GFgbe
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AnkqOsVeD
The room was a catastrophe.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlJZ3tiEV7
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciwZMtC4S7
Bodies littered the floor like wilting flowers. The warriors still moved and breathed but they writhed and gasped, clawing at their faces and limbs. The dust cloud was fortunately settling, and in the midst of nigh-cadavers was the robed man, lying on the ground.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9PfZf5hfk
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBp2WGxtu2C
Pars was on him. His coat was seared and his face was scratched, but he still brought down punches as if he suffered no injuries. After a few to the face, the man blocked one and shoved Pars off his body. He got up to the ground fast and assumed a fighting stance.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JL2UzRtjQ
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENOpzt5iZn
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRAj5QA7lO
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1t06kaPBy
Through the pressure of the situation, his commanding words resonated with the crowd. People followed his orders to a tee; everyone but me. I stood there, not from terror, but indecision.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡka6uSPILnS
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtTGjMSPKM
I was behind the robed man. His backside was perfectly exposed. I was stuck between running or sneaking in a strike. But, once the two started exchanging attacks, I quit my vacillating and propped up my arm, beginning mana expulsion–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpx4F0jtfGq
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUh5JHMC59
**STRIKE**144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZ7tVGbQR4
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdMmCeBRv6
–only to be immediately interrupted.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGAMj37A6N
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfe3IN2lJo3
A metallic clang blew out and shook my body not because of its ferocity, but because it happened right behind me. I turned my head a second after and saw two clashing swords, forming an x.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7Zx2DzRJP
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOhb9fITBE
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ANgDIoFFD
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGInwLR6AA
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPumBPI1ZAs
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXyInRJ2x9
I didn't hit them. They separated, and only then did I see who wielded them. Juke on the right, and another robed man on the left.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQG2wGeqgi
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbXjwU5xId
I've seen those navy motifs enough to have them evoke a fighting instinct in me. I quickly regained my composure and got in a stance, taking my tendril out. Juke ran to my side, but he didn't stop.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcB5QmxJrAz
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdw4Z4GsSo
"C'mon!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyWvlzbPaL
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVecSDcUxf
"--Ah!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n5Q5LdXa9
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8zD0Ul39A
I was quick enough to realize that this wasn't my fight. I turned tail and followed Juke, noticing that I finally wasn't the last to leave.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTo7fue7xE
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2CUpA6GlW
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuAEkxvDlF
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–
–
–
What a moron.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTG1ap9eTj
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIBKsnrvKU
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZ6GslcTDC
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu71eOodKPi
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd9zAP4gLJ
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6A3AZwa82a
**THUD**144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99pnppquqf
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"Ngh!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpCy1cz8V0
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That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRlmouxj51
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwa7RIkJIWw
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6CRdUqqoa
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIs2gScUta
Unable to finish his line, forced to roll to the side to avoid a devastating projectile. It shook the room even through the magic-resistant skeleton. He got to his feet and reached into his torn coat, pulling out a single crossbow and shooting.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1ESmcmvuk
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3A5d6x3qa
To his surprise, the bolt connected. The Bringer was too slow on his feet to dodge it. It didn't connect with his body, however.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3JwEdqE2H
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"--I should've known!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTEpzrnQx8
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa93fv1ADPm
Instead, the bolt lodged into a plate of wood, one thrown from the side. Pars darted his gaze and saw a second Bringer. They quickly rushed to the first one's side.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0df7sfbAo
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomhPumvTDq
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7Ebh1HRFi
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvMnWEsnuP
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3KMQQY0Ma
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"DAVE!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5k96iimCv
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5P9C6uzZp
Shouting the name of his colleague, he turned his head this way and that to see where his partner was, making sure to glance back at his enemies occasionally. The Bringers didn't move, but they exchanged looks. Pars understood the meaning even with their faces covered. He ignored that, focusing on his unsuccessful finding of his friend, and so–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlFFVl9vat
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3mkXlqisv
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUIXZVW1Ks
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkTE9eZDNT
He shouted again as he eyed the Bringers. The two got in a fighting stance, brandishing their respective weapons and preparing to dash. But, they didn't.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AlQqwJdwv
It wasn't out of trepidation, of fear or anything of the sort, but because they noticed something Pars didn't. He glanced behind him and spotted the man he'd been looking for.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgzXaOjA2h
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2FcrZ89bV
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzE82pE7Fy
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UizdVCLkc
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5wBwjryku
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDUt5PqaiL
He stood up from his crouched position. Pars noticed that he was standing beside a body. It was motionless; completely still in the limbs and the chest. Had he not noticed that, Dave's face would've still given it away.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBu8FBBuXn
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNlZOCfiZE
"...Those are our first casualties–"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJSImmiwAk
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBp7M3o8YI
**BOOM**144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1fJVOFaFU
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaq3UwOI6DS
As Pars was making his remark, an ear-shattering blast materialized before him. His eyes looked away from the blast, as his head was turned to Dave at that moment. When he jerked back, all he saw was a floating, crumbling piece of pottery.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYb4qjtxaq
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkiNxNSFYX
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjgW5HAmOK
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQqWsl0uZh
Dave slowly strode to his side. He snatched the grains of the pottery, and as he held them in his hand, they shrunk into a pulp of clay he promptly dropped into a sack.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnle8x5hTEW
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJNRW3sCPN
"I'm here now."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkfUBxljjp
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigM0K0eahX
Leaning down and reaching inside the sack, the two warriors now mirrored each other's stances. They glared at Bringers, anticipating a jerk, a dash, a shot or a swing or a slash. All the Bringers did was reciprocate.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSx4zEhbxvX
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcDQgquM2W
The clashing duos stood stock still in the silent room. Maimed by magic, coated in blood, reeking of death. His pounding heartbeat– the only sign he wasn't like corpses. Pars knew that losing would only lead to more.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehY8lZDgz1
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And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscX0FFDjgd
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZoSTZrMDh
–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1cnHM3kCd
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–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqPSSmmccI
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–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OyQzE0bkj
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By some force of nature, the two men split to combat their respective opponents. Pars thought of stopping for a second, calling for Dave to help him team up on this one or something of the sort. But Pars knew they didn't have, nor ever could have a relationship like that.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSyhNxHwUy
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlvYofcUKf
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXtLebLPfU
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7znshjXvdI
He drew his knife out of his coat while putting his unloaded crossbow back in. The man he was fighting with was the one with the explosive cylinder, a weapon that succeeded in range just as well as it did in close quarters. But from its size alone, Pars could tell it was unwieldy.
So he flipped his knife in a reverse grip and slashed at the Bringer, who stepped back from the attack. Pars followed with a spin and a kick, but his foot was just short of making contact. The Bringer retaliated with a small dash and a kick of his own, which Pars had to raise his chin to avoid.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBd0I46GQZ
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIegGT5sLxu
He slashed again, a horizontal one this time, and when it missed he tossed his knife to change its direction and slashed again. It missed the Bringer, but it caught his robe. It cut open, revealing what looked to be–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRSSq5eGHz
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDGE710sem
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdx2BU1tw7X
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpBmaYkGbW
The Bringer clicked his tongue and backed away. Pars didn't chase him. He reached inside his coat and took out his second, loaded crossbow. He aimed it at him, which caused the bringer to panic and shield his chest with the cylinder. Pars didn't fire, instead, he began mana expulsion through his hand.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVa3lvrS24
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zDSYwlppl
The Bringer realized he had been tricked. He raised the cylinder and hoisted it on his shoulder, but by the time he could, Pars had already made his earthly contraption: A vase of stone, latched to his back and connected to his crossbow.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡat5DXyxevh
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZHDN2CWRI
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxklg63hihn
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But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKWtqUZegc
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtL5CLDCzo
**BOOM**144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vzZ710s18
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhenLyvALqO
The two projectiles connected, but their crash was closer to the Bringer than to Pars. Still, Pars was forced to step back from the blast, and the now ashen air forced a couple of coughs out of him.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPl6GSu5GJ0
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOAmKUl448
"Pars!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHc8fH2woU
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZWGcRkVNg
"Huh?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHDU0T4bUD
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIllGSjhSXm
–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxio7JPj84
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–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXOQ7lq4k5
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–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQyfjtMZtY
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It was some kind of instinct, or maybe a habit, the way Dave split from Pars and took up his own opponent. Pars reciprocated, which he appreciated, though Dave had no time nor humility to say as much.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnr2l2huNf
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLIHsYYMFe
Had it been up to him, Dave wouldn't be in the Pillar, fighting a circus of lunatics who wore gaudy garments. He'd likely still be in his store, crafting and staring at the pottery on his shelves. Imports wouldn't have come for a few days, but Dave was crafty and spent years on his contingency. He wasn't as proud of his works as those of others, naturally, but it mattered little when it was so fun.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMv1KM0ugw
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFJnPBuVF2
No, truly, it was that silence that he valued most. That quiet building where nothing but creaking wood and muffled chatter reached his ears, with the occasional customer. It would've been even better in this scenario. The worst he'd have to deal with was a barging Bringer, but his barbed tongue would be enough to deter them. He was sure of it.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBzxcqBYnS
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzE4XAdAdNM
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcY9h8svzRW
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UXbkjElm7
**CLANG**144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6bfnEi52W
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFC9u6aes3u
Swords clashed and chattered. The other was steel, while dave's was one of clay, but molded and braced with mana. It was still, however, a weapon of clay.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmKEwaxKxw
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDN5tuCbE3H
He looked at his weapon, a coarse curve where the gallant tine used to be and sighed. Had it been him from the past, it wouldn't be such a sorry show. The rigid structure dissolved into a mushy clump. He reached into the sack wrapped around his belt and took more clay, mixing it with the pile in his hand.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnrCDHITYO
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJV1eJ4Ve6
The Bringer gave Dave no easy time doing so. He rushed forward, both hands on his longsword, and swung at Dave. Holding the clay, he threw it forward, and it mutated into a great shield which the sword bounced off of like a ball off the ground. The Bringer staggered, and Dave grabbed the clay, transforming it into a thin battering ram.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDBlFpwXah
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaXA0IFfCs
**SLAM**144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggEoUcjo3A
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgtxfFJgXy
He ran and bashed it into the Bringer's stomach, who let out a breathless retch. Dave kept running, planning to pin the Bringer to the wall, but the bringer grabbed onto the ram and stuck his feet into the ground. Dave's advance was stopped, but that dismayed him little. The pole of clay retracted and morphed into a ball. Dave dug his fingers into it as it hardened, and then he swung it across. The Bringer barely raised his arm quickly enough to block it.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOVUShMRvb
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLrcA4JO5D
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7DpjFqnO2
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaN09QkBZA
The Bringer tried to get on his feet but kicked him in the chin, sending him rolling. Dave morphed his clay into a sword and approached the Bringer with steady steps. With how much he struggled to stand, Dave was sure that he was done.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5nxVIVIx4
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDP6WZE3n6t
But then, the Bringer reached into his robe. A barrage of little knives flew his way, and dave couldn't morph his clay fast enough. He curled up and blocked what he could, and though it missed his vitals–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPonSQXAa9t
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNgi8NWy40
"Ngh! Shit–!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgwRxSKvXh
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTVESK4USb
A few knives scraped his, and another violently lodged itself into his leg. Dave stood up quickly and attempted to run, aching to finish the still floor-stuck Harbinger.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxDPj97vIx
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCviJSbhRhW
But then–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBg6NFXI9YZ
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmobgfAfOK
**BOOM**144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsc2B9aMYo4
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtnH6bby9g
A ring in his ear followed by an eruption of dust, one that prevented him from seeing his target. Dave clicked his tongue and backed away, paying heed to his impaled limb. Seeing no better alternative–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NT8QFATi1
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCxtMd7Ux4
–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WDh4EpJMX
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–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFAVqrwkXI
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–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHWZ1cDsW7
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Pars heard Dave's voice through the thick smog. He assumed he wanted to regroup, a prudent decision with the low visibility, but yelling would reveal his location to his opponents. He had to find a way to reconnect, or at the very least, keep his eye out for the Bringers.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8hzqQauJE
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JD3bIz8xp
Though it was impossible to see, Pars knew that staying still was a death wish. He dashed back, careful not to go too far to avoid crashing into a wall, then quietly tiptoed around the parameter of the room. Where he was, Pars was out of the clutch of the smoke, but that made seeing inside all the more difficult. However–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygftd6PDT1
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGqEKti0JN
"Gah–! You scared me!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6zybGsKbs
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZTqvmqdcM
Dave burst from the smoke, exiting it so fiercely it rippled. The smoke began to clear shortly after, and the two men eyed the room for their opponents. A few seconds passed by, then a minute; nowhere to be seen, there was only one possible option.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhAROIRfYV
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEUS4pzzik
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDy1YnSefe
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdfaKUAaVb
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1LrbSoxhT
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPr9DzcTP5
"No, this is terrible."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqRMFVtV5A
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdE1tFAkYF
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjddL334wAU
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREkGB01sXZ
"Of these four boxes, there's no telling which one they're hiding behind. They can wait there all they want and we can't do anything about it. We're the attacking party, after all."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOS02KFC5W
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaoiIKOonT
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFq7eto6jL
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4GtrctBaV
Pars took on a defensive stance, raising his arms and darting his eyes from booth to booth. He looked at Dave for his reaction, but he showed no concern. In fact, he almost looked annoyed.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YEv3LZThO
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNaQv4hKdf
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3Ayno2Cbq
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hPe5SZOnM
"No. No suggestions from you, please."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfv7FfyRiQ
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3AEwNqiIn
He put his fingers on his temples. Completely discarding him, closing his eyes, and locking himself within a chamber of thoughts. Pars was permitted no entry, no involvement, and no influence.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYP1DEFQyEu
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQtGMVM9Cq
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9l5G9ONB8O
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuYBJmHpKr
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTxY3hh1Ln
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeT8tuvOD52
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQekx3PEYc
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuSKOzush4
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3v1joudynk
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfmyC5bmAn
Still, no response.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ123tEEcqX
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACXYXQRMl4
"Can't you jerk out the wax from your ears and listen to me for once!? Why are you still being so damn stubborn!? Why are you–"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpy9MdxH1iZ
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡob08aznixX
"Because you're entirely incompetent."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZQxhXDIaF
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUdrUfRDZ4
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGiWR8Ydc5
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JZ5J4MduC
"Because people like you care too much for looks. Because people like you want to garner laughs and smiles but yield when the situation demands sincerity. Because people like you can't gauge to save their life. Like a tool, only useful when something pilots you."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgGUr2DMaW
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ06xK6fjkb
"..."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw27PsvSoA8
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWB0Mv8L8SH
"I can't deny your fighting prowess, but your idiocy makes it all useless. Look at this: your ridiculous need to use two crossbows. Your unsuitable equipment. Your sagging coat. Your dull knife. Your dearth of ammunition. Do you use such bootless tools just because they're flashy? All of this focus on image, and look at what good that's done for us. Look at the position we're in now."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEgpWURCOU
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBFlM5tNXQ
"..."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKYERaOLjj
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGiZ2gspC3
Dave stopped his speech. He sighed and grabbed a chunk of clay from his sack, transforming it into a heavy sword. He took a step forward, but suddenly stopped to look behind him.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsbbBehDaN
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hp3itZ9tn
"What?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnX1KpmLTl
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uX8hoB7yb
Pars was still. He tried to move. Even his mouth would've done, but his lips couldn't open through the spiral of thoughts he'd been thrown into. Dave lost his attention quickly. He turned around and brandished his weapon, and seeing that, Pars gagged the words out of his throat.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCn87viMKb
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldc0ktLoh5
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhqABIoiBA
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijyd6UzZO2
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsQB6hKh5Y
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VAjL4EB8H
"...I see."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFnh66sS6l
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjl6ANJje1
He assumed a fighting stance yet again. Only, it wasn't held with stride and trust, but with shaking limbs. A pose done only as proof of effort; a pose done for someone else.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFW5mrTd3Zl
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUAhacYs1J
Pars realized how pathetic it was. He dropped it instantly and pinched his nose, releasing a lengthy, laborious sigh. A moment's pause passed and he took a step forward. He grabbed his coat by its collar and slowly took it off, dropping it with a clatter. He balled his hands into a fist and narrowed his eyes at the room before him.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzjezp95ry
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfqEJEQuYy
"Maybe you're right, Dave. My get-up is a little ridiculous. The way I fight is a little strange– who am I kidding, it's plain stupid to someone like you. Maybe something has to change. Not maybe, you're right– something does have to change."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0V69moQIQ
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1uprN4ADD
He reached into his coat. He took out a crossbow, his knife, and his last bolt. He kicked the coat aside and loaded the crossbow. He had a view of all four booths of the room, and angles just wide enough for something to strike them all. He hooked the knife on his belt and held his hand out, spreading his fingers apart. Sparks began to form.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQKNA4k6aF
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLju85E1RS8
"But what really matters to me, is that I've missed the mark. I know you're especially stuck-up, but it's exactly people like you that I do this for."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIq603pdUF
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TTcndFQS7
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsreSdhLom
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPNSAeQQ9P
"I want to inspire. I want to be adored. I want to calm people down just by being there. A beacon, to signal that everything will be fine. So, if I can't even earn your respect–"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20LzLFheLv
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp91Wlghtn
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiivBwRfsTG
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkhKTviBJU
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadwwFciGNf
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyrgDWoIen
He flung his arm and the flames followed, striking all four booths and engulfing them. The architecture of the building would snuff the flames out soon, but that didn't matter. Before even the paint burnt off, the Bringers soared like flies. Dave rushed forward, but before attacking, he yelled:144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PYA4eFJ3P
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvll71hqhL
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8qIk0oReX
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfJm56XSwn
"Alright!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnuO0S6vsQ
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxL5G80DX5J
Pars thus ran opposite of Dave. It was strange; they weren't any closer to working together, and yet, Pars felt satisfied. He had a kind of drive that warmed him and a feeling in his chest that told him he had taken the right step.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLMpRmpcoL
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkapwfzsMgZ
He brandished the crossbow and ran at the Bringer. Pars lost all his worries– he steeled himself, to prove his words, to break through and shine.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNb5f82WekU
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡst7lzMSn19
–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQIfosvPOr
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–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyJ4G5Dl9u
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–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqz74CT5UHp
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He couldn't catch anything from this opponent when he fought the one with the blaster, but a sword-wielding man wasn't a riddle. Pars fought and sparred with dozens of them, so he still approached with brazen moxie. The Bringer, still running from the flames, didn't notice Pars hot on his heels. He took advantage of that; instead of a furious, direct sprint, Pars veered to the side and ran around the Bringer's trajectory. He came to a stop and turned around, brandishing his sword directly behind him, but Pars hid behind the bottommost booth, letting a single eye peer at the Bringer.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVe2DYYorq0
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEhiI76xU4
He thought of firing his crossbow but that man was likely more armored than the other. So instead, he began mana expulsion and formed a cluster of earthen spikes. He moved his hand just over the edge of the booth and fired.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFqrXYLmAR
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUhlrIxczz
The man noticed the spikes instantly, moving to block with his sword. Pars' volley was too vast and quick for success. The spikes tore and scratched at his robes, but none of them wounded or penetrated. A great deal bounced off like the man was of rubber, and the ones that didn't were shallow in their piercing.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIJHQRutYj
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuiSrnfj6G
Pars clicked his tongue and kicked from his hiding place, charging at the bringer. The bringer didn't challenge his approach but took a stance with his sword in both hands.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyDKFFlE8g
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYt340zh73
Even though his dagger was hefty, it would be a sure loser in a clash with that sword. Pars ran his brain with every step, sifting through whatever options he thought of first. A direct approach was dangerous, a contest was out of the question, and Pars had too much skin exposed to dance and stand with limbs.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ140Vzb2NMu
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIB8OrCQ6iS
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91eLyl03KB
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwj9PkUTWV3
The Bringer jolted, and his surprise netted Pars a successful hit. His eyes widened when he saw the dagger embedded into his shoulder. Shallow as it was, it didn't matter to Pars. After all, such a flashy move managed to–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rQnlLH1RT
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXdKY20WKC
"--No!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJP9VsbtmZv
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MFGavTT9h
He hit himself up the head and bolted toward the bringer. That split second was enough for him to dislodge the knife, and Par's blade was thrown back at him. Its speed was too sudden, so he jerked his head as it whizzed by, chipping his ear and forcing a hiss.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFabeR9A0Y1
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1HUI10eQw
Pars continued his approach. The Bringer reacted by reeling his arms back and swinging. It was completely horizontal, leaving no room for a reactive step, but–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyP4e3Ofczh
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMtWQwZO0m
"Hyua!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVvIRoJTCf
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSGPOgm4p4
Pars dove forward to the ground and latched onto the Bringer's foot. The swing naturally missed, but now Pars was stuck in an unsightly position with no easy counter. The bringer violently shook his foot but pars lost the dagger to quiet it down.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWHuzrPGc9
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5ToJJZx7i
However, he did have another sharp object.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDP9zugjPxm
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQkwo4Ed9Q
He raised his crossbow and stabbed the bolt into his calf. He pulled it out and did it again. There was resistance, but Pars' quick thrusts pierced through the shoddy leather armoring– an easy weak point, and one he didn't pass to abuse. But Pars' awareness didn't narrow with the opportunity. A few stabs were all he wanted before letting go and rolling aside, missing the hunk of metal that clanged the ground he had just been on.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXRJ4y5hbe
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHE6ddVYyKN
He got to his feet and lunged at the Bringer. Unable to defend, the Bringer dragged his cumbersome sword as he dashed away, but it all played into Pars' plans.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiBNWHtoiL
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbv89PfcO41
Gripping the crossbow with both of his hands, he raised it and aimed the bolt at the hooded face. Through the shadow, Pars could see the white from his shrinking pupils. The Bringer jerked to block the bolt, releasing one hand to cover his face– but a bolt never came.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhEAYUPg8r
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXizcH3jY9
Pars lowered the crossbow and freed one hand. It was a foolhardy move with an immediate toll, but in under a second, Pars formed a mass of flames. Irregular in its shape and wavering in its form, he pressed the mass against the stomach of the Bringer. The Bringer only just began to move his covering arm. Pars felt inclined to smirk, but in that split moment, he resisted.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGwIQP0nZr
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnurdiULtOx
And what came was–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfbvtvmPcP
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuDQJimESm
**BOOM**144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbpZeyM5cb
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaYCrjilRV
The blast seared his vision first. His body launched with violent spins afterward. A swift collision against a hard surface stopped his flight. He let out a leaden groan and rubbed his eyes before opening them again, but the aftermath was much more painless than he expected.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPM8Meeh8Oq
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPk3ilNvO1
Pars stood up. He looked at himself to assess the damage and found his skin black as charcoal. It made him jolt, but a quick shake of the arm revealed that it was a blanket of burnt fabric. He shook his head and returned his attention to the battlefield, but his ashen vision made it difficult to see far. He saw two figures in a duel– likely Dave and the other –but the third was–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccMslUqPTL
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROapQofCpM
"--oop!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzTEuqdwrS
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5b7LBe5kAK
Instinct commanded his body to move. He jumped to the side but was still blown away by a furious gust. He stopped himself from rolling, noticing his knife nearby and scampering to grab it. After his snatch, he gave his eyes one more rub and observed the scene.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FgMRcNNJq
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfS38CI6tFq
"You... you're a sick jokester."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBqJ0cYtK1
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPo7w44Re2k
He lost the energy to click his tongue. All he could wage were weak words of wrath. Words that left with ebbing air, the panting of a hog before a gliding spear.
The Bringer from before had their robes charred, revealing a blackened plate of armor that covered his chest. But those details came secondary to his erratic nimbus of wind.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfe8Qtrhmqn
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0W3wEoZSX
Pars brandished his knife, ready to charge. He had no opportunity to, though. A bend of the knees was followed by a soaring dash. The Bringer turned into an arrow, and. Pars raised his hands to block the damage. But he wasn't hit.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXESdWrf6J
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRw5jkvAJ2
A blast of wind erupted from the Bringer that cocked him back and pinned him in the air. His hovering body left Pars' mouth agape, and he had it shut as it was kicked.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ848Njv2WSY
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQODvu5Nul
The kick wasn't strong. It shouldn't have been, because it didn't feel all that painful. But the ferocity by which Pars flew compensated for the painlessness.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlPwwkHjDB
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzB74r5ChX
His head bore into the wall. His heartbeat rang in his ears and head, a frenzied demand that Pars responded to only through reflex. He felt a liquid trickle down and down his body, and he didn't have to wipe it off and look to tell it was blood.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgrngMm6VX
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjC0BuMDyLH
"What the hell... what the hell!?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPuhQktdbw
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9O0dObe1kG
His knife locked within his palm, he eyed the Bringer. The nimbus was gone now, but the bringer had a wide and stretched pose and performed expulsion from all possible orifices. Any moment that coat of wind would cover him again, and in that moment he'd be struck with another gusting bomb.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5M20CFXZzg
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwU3zLEVe6
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEF4dkvulS
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxg2NE34At
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcLDuwiV0z
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNdhUTVD21
"...Heh."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvGKfrvc2m
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRz8dI8kx6
He clicked his tongue and put his blade in the holster, creating a hunk of stone with a handlebar with his free hand. A crummy, clumsy cover– the only thing he could make before that Bringer flew again.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzgLjTMWIn
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGrEeIWtEy
–
–
–
Dave was pricked by the blazing booths. That heat reached his head like a sucker punch, and like a sucker punch, it was a blow that damaged more than the body. Though, it was clear to him that what was happening inside was irrespective of that.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCppjX3sXI
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnHO6woGd7
He couldn't pin that feeling down. Not with the time he had, though that troubled him. Time wasn't a problem before for situations like these. What changed now? That feeling seeped through and danced on his skin. It had to be because goosebumps were forming.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmhJX0AnO0
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iAgsGkpf9
**THUD**144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqrPQDP459
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLQ1hjGXj0
His clay sword clashed with the Bringer's cannon, letting out a clunky sound. The scuffle lasted for a moment until Dave kicked his foot. He struck the Bringer in the leg just hard enough to loosen his grip. Dave won the struggle but reaped no reward; the Bringer merely backed off the moment his weapon gave way.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYftB5rNEn
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12NaPtxqCL
He scoffed at the result. A part of him had hoped that would be the end there, but he knew an opponent Pars struggled with would be no walk in the park.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VArv6nKCy
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPeJOR9ZtP
"Though I have to wonder–"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGWYVZ9798
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGOvU4vzEW
He closed the gap with a swift dash and thrust his sword. The bringer didn't dodge the strike, but rather, blocked it with his forearm. The sword didn't penetrate– it nearly bounced off.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKs6LfG8gR7
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAv1JJ4GJkQ
The sudden backlash left him wide-eyed and his stance awry. He tried a quick correction. The Bringer shot a cone of earth from his cannon, and Dave moved fast enough to escape with just a graze. But the top of his blade had been caught by the projectile.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvX9pc9RhDb
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eYxsBshrx
Dave stepped back and disassembled his weapon into simple clay. He tore the pile in half and created a small round shield in one and a spear in the other.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkj59Cshf04
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRDrvD5OEY
However, after its creation, Dave realized that such a puny shield would only be a liability. Amending it was locked by the advance of the Bringer. Dave acted with his defensive arsenal at first, sticking his shield out and gripping the spear. The Bringer aimed his cannon and fired another drill of earth. Dave contested it with his shield, and though the force pushed him back and tore at his arm it was enough to stop it.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNVfC3nYD4
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8gW0F31U7
The Bringer kept up with his assault. He forewent the cannon and rushed with an earthly dagger. Dave had a moment of perplexion, one that lasted just long enough for the Bringer to aim his launcher yet again. Close enough for it to reach, Dave simply stabbed his spear. But the Bringer stepped to the side and snatched the shaft.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXo0VHYdMKy
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccZ469v8Wy
With his movements constricted, Dave had an immediate thought: he let go of the spear and bashed the Bringer with his shield. Even with its dent, it was strong enough to shove him away, but by no means did it do any damage.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCsOykRpWo
"Irritating...!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHl3xVAPqdJ
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRwvSM9EGK
He dissolved the shield and picked up the spear. He grabbed the weapon with both hands, and though he was fixed to rush, he stood still. Dave knew keeping his distance would just give the Bringer more chances to shoot, but this was something he had to spare. Something dawned on him amid that fight, when his spear was caught and his shield became his weapon. It was a question, though when it gained form, it didn't appear as such.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqXUtb7poD
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUeZs7ctyW
Dave didn't like to use spears.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYu4URTZZK
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWjWoH1qy2
"...Haaaaa."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5UQVX8oLk
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbg46o6L3o4
He released a tired sigh. He returned his attention to the Bringer, who naturally took advantage of Dave's pondering and made himself comfortable across the room. Dave charged forth.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAevlP5YwcR
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQczmFmYPR
It was strange of him. Back then, his versatility was the root of his pride. The crux of his proficiency and the agent of his title. An 'Officer,' he was labeled. He retired it long ago.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv05XicYyhZ
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYm5s3atnL
But, he didn't let his skills lie and rot, and it was precisely for situations like these that he practiced swings and ran around the city. That he made those vases despite thinking himself scanty.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyYrFCqvE4
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That's what he always told himself, at least.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfKxfqT452
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexaR6H6UPF
**CLASH**
He couldn't help but see a bit of Pars in himself. It wasn't his bravado– goodness, no, it wasn't that. But it was of a similar substance. The root of both his and Pars' bizarre tendencies, an attribute admonished and attacked by Dave.
**CLANG**144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfm4gDs3sa5
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVV1hSWn1U
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5VKi86Bcr
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JI0xNmNIh
**CLASH**144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9Zz7lCpK7
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BGSDNvVN4
Dave slid across the room, reeling from a blocked strike delivered by the Bringer's cannon. Though his body was untouched, his muscles twitched from the force. He fixed his stance and steeled his composure. He opened his eyes and gazed at the Bringer, then sprinted while forming a new clay claymore.
**CLANG**144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniRXTor4by
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6mCo19PW8
The strokes of his arms, the swings of his blade, the stomps of his feet, and the sting of his wounds. Why was it that all of these, these things– why did they make him feel so much?144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HSIfS4WdM
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0M7kWyLYg
**CLASH**144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNhvfen6jU
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmHAww2Brz
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELfgj0Xh6m
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ807NoeQDA4
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXE3IURcqaI
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZlPmuF1Ml
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotzH4JYKVq
Confusion–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OKE6qxao6
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjcDeBeCm5
**CLANG**144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjedCgE18Qs
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgavXIB5XH
Delusion–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGNljzGZFq
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrf0uO3xz3y
**CRASH**144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcJFPMD1Nl
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFcuLjpxOF
All lead to one conclusion:144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1sjPAE4rg
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pQCeJcDp8
**SMASH**144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyGMze46SU
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1vEvG4kHL
Followed by the shattering of his blade, Dave rolled across the sullied floor, pushed further by a sudden gust of wind. The blast at that time was too fierce for him to block. He got to his feet, looked at his palm, and wondered if his blade truly was to blame.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMYeLZpqDB
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZh6X6gZyyG
"...No, of course it isn't."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Bswms34Nn
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdXKYj58KZ
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0GFJZyFPN
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrnsHtbOnu
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GRxq6pgIu
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeyhMEw1Qp
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0gsVJunow
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5PpWrWhKK
**THUD**144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCXDfrvIS5
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A sudden force hurled Dave out of his muddied mind. He tumbled to the floor, striking his chin against it and prompting a thorough rub. He turned to see what had hit him, and found the coatless body of his teammate–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QDoQ6tn5h
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaLFtXQNwd
"Pars!?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUdXW37r2C
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBjKEaFOtk
"Ack... quiet down. My head's spinning as is."
–
–
–
The two men stood with their backs against each other. They eyed their surroundings, landing their gazes on their debilitating opponents. Dave still ached from the collision, and Pars didn't fare any better, but their stalwart stances still intimidated.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVe5bL3fkS1
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4giBDniu3
"How's it on your end," Pars asked, his voice cracking on every consonant. Dave didn't fancy telling of his inner turmoils, so he told of his physical state instead.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBNAMgCd36
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYZSXPIObK
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIQm3y0Apk
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagy0DtZDF0
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyc0PVEwfsj
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSc4hBNqQN
The Bringers began a steady approach. No flexing of their muscles nor narrowing of their eyes would deter them now; they had to think fast and act just as quickly.
"I'm getting pretty tired of these two, you know."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjSjEVo0fQ
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgSHCsNZaQ
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Wo0NINaUH
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSnG2G1aUv
"I'm getting tired in general. I've been hit too many times, and I'm not built for battle marathons anyway. We need to finish this fast."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ95PGbaC8h
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIX3hXn0aNK
"What do you propose?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD49zfr0U0U
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4T617oOfNH
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFW88LUtba
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyoDAoGj0l
The truth was that he had nothing. He was enamored with the idea of cooperating since the beginning of this fight, but he barely had the strength to throw a punch at another person. All this fighting up until now only to prove a point. But Pars realized, in his battered and weary state, that only damaged his performance.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxfcj8f6FI
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZd7bbb6pOV
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKIklJ4BOY
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPivgfrj0X
It seemed like these were all contradictions. Nobody could maintain being that way. His heavy breaths told him so. His failing limbs told him so. It was impossible not to slip into poor habits, to make a fool of oneself, to fall into the mendacious hands of ambition.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKyws2G1u1
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TZ9A5SVSW
A part of him knew better, though. But that part was tucked away from the forefront of his mind. And in his weakness, Pars lamented only one thing: his inability to–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8b5ECq7S2A
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMG5Lzdkhv
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIzzz1oieW
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbygKX024VD
"--Huh?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4WR6WKRzC
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3UNBsoAlO
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sJsBzcZSZ
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJH7I6qcpS
"...Always backhanded, huh."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65OxmAS2n2
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehJ47i8Lhx
But Pars muttered that with an idiot's grin. To hear those words, and from that individual, from the person who sent him into such a mess in the first place. It almost made him laugh144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7q6KEXqHo
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFToULH5DW
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxsKvhE63n
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuktYPnPws6
"We likely don't have one."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwMyTOeLkD
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrw53w2WLIL
He locked himself in thought, into a zone of his mind that split his focus and sense of time. He opened his eyes so his instincts could at least defend a surprise attack as he turned the cogs of his brain. He churned and churned and hoped for a bright idea to spawn from it. Something came of it, but–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx13hw3cU5i
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyT7RyM5Vww
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAr4hy1w8tZ
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vfI9luM5y
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawbCZmkn7U
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZP2mzfEXR
"Well, if you insist."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanakMTsc6v
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJz72lC8d3
–
–
–
Dave and Pars reinforced their stances. They moved their retinas to the corners of their sockets and nodded at each other, then swiftly swapped spots.
"Go!"
Pars and Dave burst into sprints, charging at their respective opponents with nothing but their bare hands. The Bringers inched to challenge them but hesitated at the sight of their armlessness. That tiny moment was all that was needed.
Pars' opponent dashed back, but it didn't dodge any attack. Pars never made one. He kept sprinting and sprinting, and his ceaseless charge compelled the Bringer to keep backing away. His opponent eventually got his grip, because he planted his feet and brandished his lethal fists, ready to counter.
But, just short of arm's length, Pars lunged forward and tackled the Bringer. But not to the ground, because he made damn well sure he kept a foot on the floor. His right foot as an axis, he spun his body and released the Bringer.
The Bringer flew just a few feet away. He was completely unharmed, and only more cautious now. He dashed forward to hit Pars and struck him directly in the stomach.
"..."
His looming silence professed his query. Pars answered by grasping his arms, and with a toothy smile that leaked bile through its gaps–
"Gotcha."
**BOOM**
–A great gust of wind erupted from his palms.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMxeIKFN5b
The bringer soared, rendered a bird by the speed that he flew. His attitude never decreased, he only moved further and further and further, completely opposite of Pars' direction.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaM1buXZN0q
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaICfJSWLBQ
There, Dave sprinted from his pursuing enemy. His speed just outpaced the Bringer's own, a fact made possible only by his lighter baggage. He clutched his clay in one hand and shielded it with the other, darting his eyes behind him every other second to make sure he was at a comfortable distance from the Bringer.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcpp89YN9v
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZk34Tp7Pmw
And then, that's when he heard the explosion. All of a sudden, Dave skidded to a stop and spun around to face his adversary. The motion confused and intimidated his opponent, who slowed down initially. But he saw how Dave still hadn't conjured a weapon and quickly returned to his blitzing pace–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLZdkEUjyM
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AHXcB1VVg
**THUD**144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcyRsJDOs2
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3EjEmsVzf
And then it came to a halt. Or rather, it was a boost. After all, this burst of speed was impossible by ordinary, human means. A feat that made it appear as if Dave was being pulled toward him. But this speed came with a blast, and truly, what good would it do if it meant his feet dislodged from the floor?144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7opMEeMca
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLg6CcFSKZ
"--!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxN7wfdBvE
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDBssOqEGp
The two Bringers tumbled towards Dave. Dangerous dashing, utter discombobulation. The Bringer's heads hadn't moved an inch, yet it felt like they were closer to the floor than their legs. Flying and flying, but finally, they began to fall.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYZeqWPZQ9
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZMK95jsGh
But then Dave put one foot down in front, and all their dismantled attention unified to that appendage. Dave began mana spinning, forming a tool out of his clay. A lengthy shaft with a pointed head whose tip grew thinner and thinner, because this tool only had one purpose: to impale.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nGrrXJJqN
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjKcGKI7CM
Forgoing a spear, forgoing a dagger, and creating a great pole that would pierce even their plated armor. Within a second, their graves had been marked–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WEsMs8qyo
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBsy8O4o86
**SPLICE**144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrktHBRRMsp
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwGKIzAfSB
And it was that clay that became their stone.
Dave glared at the Bringers. He couldn't hold them long; his paltry tool was a terrible skewer. He released the two to the ground.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAS6xJ9SZNI
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGlkRAV5p3
"I missed one."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJupOUIyD2T
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAizDSvj81A
He took the end of the shaft and quickly transformed it into a sizable needle, then thrust it directly into the neck of the other. Then for good measure, kicked the two away so their sides touched the floor. Stuck together, bleeding together.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqSiifrqFd
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqXBsrkQym
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NordBktGy
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgnA2AXLsY
"Hey!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnOyepoXHi
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATxXRTEkL4
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3Yw0KnM8v
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSitn64pEb
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpO6L8GShW
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwq18S3us5e
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJi5Z6PUWM
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZa9kyQKev
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebq3eA8b2x
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qbLK8Yae4
"I never said that."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNZadRlgEe
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUPhB2Zhct
Pars turned away from Dave, looking at the two new corpses on the floor. He had a smile on his face, but it wasn't one wrung from the joy of victory but from the ability to still breathe.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GHnheF4BE
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRSfwtiY4i
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMa153dVJyY
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cKCB19PAG
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyVzBJKmXo
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHcCv2nmPE
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgf14FgZzIh
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolUY07LGLu
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBgx96BSpj
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooFy52jKBu
"Haaaa. Damn you."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlf2pgHyixc
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSxqZylVoo
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkwgvMURVT
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9a6SwQKv5
"They are dead, right?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIu259zSoEF
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIlRccGg2n
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZNN85nEcQ
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59R1ahiUJf
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeE5QGHb1JW
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvTyW6cAki
"I–"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgI9Kc2kpjD
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8b2glrgsO
Dave opened his mouth to offer help, but a sudden wave of pain told him that carrying a live body would be practically impossible. So instead, he sat on the floor.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXy3S2JhF1
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GBX8wuFEz
"Huh?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuG8Uv4VQYk
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZaFEKMoRs
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXCSO9FZUl
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pcne7eiKG
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VtbhvsLld
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uKbzxHuZ3
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ48BbCXX8m
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCUHkp8g5w
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFr487NRmrR
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ojtf0l32x
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUe4HMirzHU
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcRWh1Tipq
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGhiUwy6lx
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4Bszo6ayj
The two men's gazes rested on the bodies of their enemies. It was gruesome, certainly, but their heavy robes hid any trace of their humanity. It was akin to being around a fire rather than a couple of corpses.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJim7z1itxr
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiaKsVgFIi
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMZatmZKwP
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRFfQSvVRo
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WbyvQBMzW
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusfBEEaMKQ
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqvnGFD11g
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTCAPnMvxf
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXau3NRlIM
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPBFTgfJ3s
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGLO2Bs8mF
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1Cdw29LxS
"You raise a good point."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUaGmWjJDp
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtV6TnFnTY
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDptgXy4CqM
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlkopG7pr3
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRDbSP0jzi
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZCJS9Lf2N
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3WFx7stf2
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjX6o01FTAS
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PzUIKjC5u
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdzQ7RQTwy
"Ha, abandon?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3FSy9pxKN
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRcSeFn3rh
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OcwJGfB5F
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ184KOIJFvq
"I didn't abandon anything. And this isn't a charade! I don't want to be a man who inspires just to get girls or something."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcXzcV6Dpe
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6cYhl7qXW
"If you were, it was backfiring."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFw91rjzhN
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyC2ZQzfJ3
"Harhar. Very funny."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Cbfdm3CqV
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSNByExsWD
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2W6reRMTX
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5Jg3g1W2J
"No. This? This wasn't working, you were right. But I can only give up so much of my attitude. Otherwise, the kids of this city will look at me as just another cranky soldier, and the members of our force won't have any beacons."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHz1s5wWP5
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkdE1uT8Uo
"Aren't you conceited."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuodIOiMpu
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzj12KPon8E
"You think it's arrogance?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VXFqSQ2Hy
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGeG3BMziJ
Pars began to stroke his chin.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFTJ3wg1ps
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEdcdH3fY8
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVkrNVq8Ev
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMbqSRqdQC
"But what you want isn't just greatness."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalURjN6gcj
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICKm8x3HjP
"...Yeah, you're right."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqYKANbruK
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelgjtghpGT
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlg39XGfUf
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8v6HjrwcS
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
